Yesterday was a triumphant day for the State of Colorado because House Bill 1379 (HB1379) was signed into law by Governor Polis. HB 1379 was designed to respond to the Sackett v. EPA decision last May and provides regulatory protections for Colorado鈥檚 state waters and wetlands. The signing took place in Summit County at the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center which provided the perfect backdrop with the Blue River and mountains in the distance. Many people were there to celebrate, including members of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) staff, the Governors team, members of the regulated community, environmental groups, and other agency officials who took part in helping craft this vitally important bill.
Before the official signing took place, Governor Polis and the bill sponsors said a few words about the bill's passage. Speaker McCluskie, one of the bill's main sponsors, thanked the staff at CDPHE for their hard work in drafting, altering, and amending the bill based on stakeholder feedback. Senator Roberts, another one of the bill sponsors, talked about how this dredge and fill program will help to preserve our vital aquatic ecosystems and how Colorado was the first state to respond to the Sackett v. EPA decision. 鈥淥ther states will be able to look to the process Colorado went through to protect wetlands and state waterways,鈥� said Representative McCormick.
CDPHE will still need to initiate rulemaking to fully stand-up the regulatory program put in place by HB 1379. That process is expected to begin in the fall of 2024. Public participation in both the design and implementation of HB 1379 will help set up Colorado for long-term success and ensure that all voices play a role in the regulatory program. Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to sign up for notifications from CDPHE !